Heavenly Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe: Rustic Homemade Bliss

Crafting a delightful spinach stuffed bread can transport you to a world of culinary comfort.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces a vibrant green filling bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Fragrant herbs and creamy cheese mingle inside each delectable slice.

Kitchens come alive with the aroma of warm, freshly baked goodness.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet impressive dish.

Crispy edges and a tender interior promise a memorable meal that sparks conversation.

You’ll want to slice into this irresistible creation and savor every delicious bite.

What Makes Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread So Good

• Craft a Culinary Masterpiece: This spinach stuffed bread transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Perfectly Versatile Dish: Great for lunch, dinner, appetizers, or potluck gatherings, this bread adapts to multiple meal scenarios with its rich, savory filling.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Packed with spinach, ricotta, and pine nuts, the recipe delivers a powerful combination of protein, vitamins, and delicious flavors in every slice.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, home cooks of all levels can create a professional-looking bread that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Bread Success

• Flour: The base that provides structure and texture for the bread.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the dough.

• Spinach: The main green vegetable that creates the primary flavor of the stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy and soft texture to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to the spinach mixture.
• Pine Nuts: Gives a nutty crunch and depth to the stuffing.
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic and flavorful base for the spinach mixture.
• Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Egg: Used for creating a golden and shiny crust on the bread.
• Butter: Adds a rich, glossy finish and extra flavor after baking.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it sit until it becomes foamy and fragrant. This process takes about 5-7 minutes and signals that your yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a small well in the center where you’ll pour the activated yeast mixture. Add olive oil to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Blend all ingredients together, kneading continuously until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This typically takes 8-10 minutes of consistent working. The dough should feel soft and springy under your hands.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.

Step 5: Prepare Spinach Filling

In a skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted and excess moisture evaporates.

• Garlic
• Fresh spinach

Step 6: Create Cheese Mixture

Combine cooked spinach with ricotta and parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper and dried oregano for extra flavor.

• Cooked spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Step 7: Toast Pine Nuts

In a dry pan, lightly toast pine nuts until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Fold these into the spinach and cheese mixture.

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Ensure the dough is evenly stretched.

Step 9: Add Spinach Filling

Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the roll.

Step 10: Shape the Bread Roll

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal the filling completely inside.

Step 11: Prepare for Baking

Place the rolled bread on a baking sheet. Brush the surface with beaten egg wash and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 12: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 13: Final Touch

Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Expert Tips for Cheesy Spinach Bread Perfection

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead Dough Like a Pro: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth, elastic texture that develops gluten structure.
• Control Spinach Moisture: Thoroughly drain and squeeze excess water from cooked spinach to prevent a soggy filling that could make the bread soggy.
• Toast Nuts for Deeper Flavor: Dry-roasting pine nuts releases their natural oils, intensifying their nutty taste and adding a delightful crunch to the filling.
• Egg Wash for Golden Shine: Gently brush beaten egg across the surface for a beautiful, glossy brown crust that looks professionally baked.

Different Filling Ideas for Stuffed Bread

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace spinach with a blend of fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary, mixed with feta cheese for a Greek-inspired savory bread.
• Mushroom and Goat Cheese Version: Swap spinach for sautéed wild mushrooms and creamy goat cheese, adding fresh thyme for an earthy flavor profile.
• Roasted Red Pepper Celebration: Substitute spinach with roasted red peppers, mix with cream cheese and smoked paprika for a vibrant, smoky bread variation.
• Pesto Parmesan Fusion: Replace spinach filling with homemade basil pesto, extra parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts for an intense Italian-style bread experience.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread

• Perfectly Paired Wine: Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio that complements the herb-rich spinach filling without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Complementary Cheese Board: Assemble a selection of soft and hard cheeses like creamy brie, aged gouda, and sharp pecorino to enhance the bread's rich texture and nutty pine nut undertones.
• Mediterranean Side Salad: Craft a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette to balance the bread's richness and add fresh, zesty notes.
• Herb-Infused Olive Oil Dip: Create a dipping sauce with extra virgin olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and minced garlic to elevate the bread's Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Storing Stuffed Bread to Keep It Delicious

• Wrap the cooled spinach stuffed bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and moist.
• Place the completely cooled bread in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Cut the bread into individual slices before freezing. Place parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer bag for easy portioning and quick reheating.
• Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before mixing with other filling ingredients.

• Is kneading the dough by hand necessary?

While a stand mixer works, hand kneading helps develop gluten and creates better bread texture.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, water temperature is warm (not hot), and place dough in a draft-free, warm environment.

• Can I make this bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking.

Spinach Stuffed Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Stuffed with creamy spinach and herbs, this irresistible bread brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crispy golden crust and rich filling make it a perfect companion for your next meal that leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

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Bread Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

Spinach Filling:

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Seasoning and Finishing:

• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast in warm water, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
3. Pour olive oil and activated yeast into the flour, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Sauté minced garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted and moisture evaporates.
6. Mix cooked spinach with ricotta, parmesan, black pepper, and dried oregano in a separate bowl.
7. Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden and fragrant, then fold into the spinach mixture.
8. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
9. Spread the spinach filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal the filling inside.
11. Place the rolled bread on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg wash, and let rest for 15 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
13. Remove from oven, immediately brush with melted butter, and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Trick: Use water between 100-110°F to ensure perfect yeast blooming without killing the microorganisms.
• Dough Hydration Tip: Add a splash of extra olive oil to create a softer, more pliable bread texture that remains moist after baking.
• Spinach Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat dry sautéed spinach to prevent soggy filling and maintain crisp bread texture.
• Versatile Filling Hack: Swap spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg